2024 Musings & Welcome 2025

Welcome to the last day of 2024! It’s been a fun and productive year here at Denver Concierge, and we have proudly enjoyed every minute of serving you.

We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for supporting our small business. Our work is not without challenges, like getting our folks and equipment to you, managing the inevitable mishaps, and dealing with the unpredictable Colorado weather.

Through it all, we were determined to make sure your home is spotless, and we sure hope we achieved that goal across the board.

Our very own Queen Bee covers some of the more interesting challenges we overcame in 2024, read on to learn more!

Looking into 2025, the new year always brings change. As we have outlined here in past newsletters, there are some new laws on the books to be aware of.

Don’t forget the new hands-free cellphone usage laws, rules for car seats, and gun storage laws for your vehicle, just to name a few. The price of eggs will likely be going up too, due to new cage-free laws hitting the books tomorrow.

Crossing the HOV solid line will also cost you in new places, so beware. 

For Denver Concierge and many other small businesses, 2025 will not be without its challenges, as we continue to face increased costs across the board. The minimum wage will be going up around 3%, statewide, from $14.42 to $14.82.

As you may already know, any business operating in Denver (like ours) will be subject to a minimum wage of $18.81, up from $18.29 last year.

Employee-friendly legislation is also at the forefront, as businesses are now funding Colorado Secure Savings, FAMLI Leave Act, and enhanced sick pay provisions, all of which have arisen in the past few years.

While there are lots of headwinds for small businesses, we always favor taking care of our associates. 

We remain focused on efficiency and doing all we can to operate in the best possible ways to reduce our costs and keep our service affordable and the best in class.

A good recap of the main law changes can be found here, courtesy of NPR/KUNC.

This month, you will find more great content below. 

We talk about why traffic stops are down in Denver, we have a wonderful guest writer who will teach you all about Denver’s hard water problem, and we cover Denver’s best neighborhoods as determined by 5280 Magazine.

We also take a quick look at some school closures by DPS, as part of their consolidation plans.

Thank you again for reading and for being part of the Denver Concierge family. As always, we are here to ensure your home is spotless and to provide the world-class service we hope you are accustomed to.

From our office staff of Angela (Queen Bee), Maria (who will be celebrating 25 years with us this year), Blanca (our glue behind the scenes), and John (our fearless leader), we want to wish you a safe and prosperous 2025.

Happy New Year, be safe tonight, revelers!!!

Traffic Stops & You 

When was the last time you were pulled over for a traffic violation?

It seems like one of those things that we never forget. Maybe the stress of the lights, or some latent fear of the law…..we aren’t sure.

That said, if you have noticed fewer traffic stops around town, you have good reason.

From an article on this topic, courtesy of Denver 7, “In May of this year, the Denver Police Department shifted away from conducting low-level traffic stops in order to prioritize offenses that pose bigger threats to public safety.”

“New department data shows that traffic stops have plummeted 47% since that policy change.”

Wow, nearly down by half!

According to the department, low-level traffic offenses such as a broken taillight, a crack in a windshield, and expired tags on vehicles will be ignored, unless a more serious violation is noticed.

According to a Denver PD training bulletin, those more serious crimes include:

• Driving under the influence
• Reckless driving
• Street racing
• Hit-and-run accidents
• Guns and gun violence
• Burglary
• Dangerous drugs
• Any other similarly serious crime

Interesting change for sure.

The full article, including an interview with Chief of Police Ron Thomas can be found here.

As always, be safe out there!

Hard Water

By Guest Writer Tammy Pitts

Hard water is a common challenge for many homeowners, especially in and around Denver, where the quality of tap water may not be as pure and clean as we might hope for.

The minerals responsible for water hardness – calcium and magnesium – are picked up as water flows through soil and rocks. While safe to drink and use, hard water can affect how you clean your home. Here are some tips to minimize its impact.

How hard water affects soap and laundry detergent

One of the major effects of hard water on cleaning is that it minimizes the effectiveness of soap and cleaning products. When you wash with soap in hard water, the calcium and magnesium in the water combine with soap to create a sticky residue called soap scum. This residue doesn’t rinse off easily and leaves streaks and film on dishes, glasses, bathroom surfaces, and even skin. Using more soap or detergent won’t solve the problem; it’ll just cost you more without giving better results.

Laundry issues

Hard water makes laundry detergent less effective. The minerals in the water prevent the detergent from dissolving properly, leading to detergent buildup on your clothes. This can make your clothes feel stiff or look dull or dingy over time. The minerals in hard water can also make fabrics lose their softness.

Water spots and streaks

Ever notice streaks on your glasses after washing them in the dishwasher? This is often caused by hard water. The minerals leave a residue on glassware, making it look like they aren’t clean. This is especially noticeable on clear plastic containers and wine glasses. Hard water can even cause problems in your dishwasher by building up inside the machine, which affects how well it cleans.

Clogged pipes and appliances

Over time, the minerals in hard water can build up inside your pipes, appliances, and plumbing, causing clogs. The minerals can also reduce how well your appliances work — dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters can all be affected. Here in Denver, where some homes rely on well water or city water that can have a higher mineral content, this buildup can lead to costly repairs.

Hard water doesn’t just affect your pipes and appliances; it can also impact the water you use outside your home. There can be mineral buildup in kiddie pools or clogs with the sprinkler heads you use to water the vegetables in your garden.

How to fix hard water issues

It’s easy to get frustrated by this issue but there are simple solutions to fix it. For starters, you can install a water softener to treat your water supply. A water softener removes the minerals (calcium and magnesium) from the water and replaces them with sodium, softening the water. This helps improve the effectiveness of soap, laundry detergent, and household appliances.

Another option is to use a dishwasher rinse aid if you can’t install a water softener. The rinse aid helps break down the minerals, making it easier to remove water spots from dishes.

Vinegar and baking soda

Vinegar and baking soda are excellent natural cleaners for hard water deposits. I’ve learned they work quite well at cleaning soap scum. The acidity in the vinegar helps to dissolve the minerals, while the baking soda can help scrub and remove grime. To remove hard water spots from surfaces, mirrors, glass, or faucets, create a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water.

Buy special detergents

Some laundry detergents are made specifically for hard water. These detergents work better by counteracting the minerals in the water, helping to clean clothes more effectively.

Clean your appliances

Hard water deposits can accumulate in your appliances, especially dishwashers and washing machines. Staying on top of household chores and regularly cleaning these appliances will keep them running efficiently and help them last longer.

Hard water can affect everything from your daily shower to how clean the dishes are, and even the lifespan of your appliances. And while hard water isn’t harmful to your health, it can certainly be a real hassle when it comes to cleaning. By understanding how it impacts your home and using solutions like water softeners or special cleaning products, you can make your cleaning tasks much easier and more effective.

As always, Denver Concierge is here to try and solve all your cleaning needs.

Our Guest Contributor Tammy has an extensive background in journalism, media relations, social media strategy, marketing, and brand management. She resides in Michigan with her family which includes her two sons and their Goldendoodle, Max. In her free time, she loves to read, travel, and root for the Michigan State Spartans. Go Green!

Denver School Closures 

With much fanfare and resistance, Denver Public Schools (DPS) has decided to close seven schools and cut grade levels at three others.

From the November Colorado Sun article, “Seven Denver public schools will shutter at the end of the school year and three others will narrow the grades they serve after board members unanimously approved a controversial round of school closures Thursday evening.”

The schools that will close are: Columbian Elementary School, Castro Elementary School, Schmitt Elementary School, International Academy of Denver at Harrington, Palmer Elementary, West Middle School, and Denver School of Innovation and Sustainable Design.

Additionally, Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy, a K-12 school, will drop grades 1-5; Dora Moore ECE-8 School will only serve preschool through 5th grade, cutting grades 6-8; and Denver Center for International Studies will shift to cover 6th-8th grades, eliminating grades 9-12.

Needless to say, there are a lot of upset people about this controversial decision.

DPS elected to make a statement about the closures, and that announcement can be found here.

As they say at the track, we don’t really have a horse in this race, but there are some angry folks out there, and we cannot blame them.

Changing schools is a big project for any family, and we sympathize with any of you affected by this.

The complete article from the Colorado Sun can be found here.

Denver’s Best Neighborhood

We figured that would catch your eye, especially if you live in the winning area, pictured above.

Washington Park. Or, good ‘ol Wash Park as the locals call it.

For back-to-back years, Wash Park was named the best neighborhood in our fine city.

With 280 urban parks, and a population of just 7188, it finished first in 5280’s rankings once again.

Utilizing metrics such as average home sale price, safety, school ratings, and a mysterious “X-factor”, the mag was able to rank all the neighborhoods in and around Denver.

The top 5?

1. Wash Park
2. Berkeley
3. South Park Hill
4. Congress Park
5. Country Club

There are 20 more neighborhoods ranked and the complete list, along with links, methodology and the like can be found here.

Congrats to Wash Park for leading the way in back to back years!

We hope you like your neighborhood ranking, and if not, remember it’s not our list!!!!

Monthly Award Winners

Our monthly award winners for November were Maria Zapata, Nimia Espinoza, Josefina Quinonez, Patricia Rodriguez, and Jessica Rios.

In the Team Leader ranks, it was Socorro Ibarra and Natalia Olivas.

We are so proud of our winners, and of all the folks that are in and out of your homes each week.

We are also very appreciative to be a part of your lives and your homes. You provide the platform for our teams to perform, and for that we are grateful.

Please join me in congratulating our best performers for the month of November.

Also, stay tuned for our annual award winners, which will be announced in the January 2025 newsletter.

Queen Bee Corner

by Angela

Before we close the door to 2024 let’s take a  look back over some  times during the past year when our Denver Concierge ladies demonstrated traits that go above and beyond their cleaning tasks.

For example, they found a lot of lost or misplaced items; including a diamond earring, a baby’s favorite stuffed rabbit, a cell phone, cash, car keys, and a kitten.

They spotted and reported out of the ordinary occurrences with potentially harmful outcomes such as a leaking pipe under a sink, a sick puppy, a loose step, a dangling power line, and a broken basement window.

The ladies also showed initiative under less-than-ideal cleaning conditions, from torn up access streets to a jammed elevator, houses under major construction, power outages and false fire alarms.

All in all it was a good year and we now bid it farewell with many thanks to our clients who have shown us kindness, patience, generosity and trust, which we will do our best to be worthy of again in 2025.

Happy New Year!

Bee 

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is upon us, and we wanted to get this newsletter out before the holiday to tell you all just how thankful we are for you.

We remember learning about Thanksgiving back in grade school, but since we had forgotten nearly everything from then, we wanted to revisit it.

Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, Thanksgiving is a cherished American holiday rooted in gratitude and togetherness. Its origins trace back to 1621 when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people shared a feast to celebrate the harvest and their cooperation.

Over the centuries, Thanksgiving has evolved into a time for families and friends to gather, share a meal, and reflect on their blessings.

For Denver Concierge, Thanksgiving presents a unique opportunity to highlight the importance of a clean and welcoming home. As you prepare to host loved ones, a spotless home not only enhances the festive atmosphere but also ensures a comfortable and hygienic environment for your guests.

We know just how stressful holiday planning can be, and we are so glad that we can play a part in ensuring that your home is perfect for your guests.

We wish you and yours an amazing Thanksgiving, and Black Friday (if you are into that sort of thing) and we hope you get time to recharge with loved ones.

Our gratitude for being part of your lives is stronger than ever, and we thank you for allowing us into your homes.

Happy Thanksgiving!!! We will return to work on Monday, December 2nd to help with post-holiday cleanup.

Health Insurance Primer

Health insurance costs continue to rise. Based on the research we have done, it looks like we can expect a 6-7% increase in healthcare premiums in 2025.

Yikes, that’s a lot. If those projections hold, this will be the 3rd straight year of increases above 5%.

From the article we found on Healthcaredrive.com, “If employers don’t use cost-cutting strategies, Mercer estimates their expenses will rise by about 7% on average. Smaller companies with 50 to 499 workers would be particularly hard hit: Their expenses would spike by about 9% on average if they don’t take action to lower costs.”

Considering open enrollment is here for most of us, we wanted to see if we could help find cheaper alternatives, or at least shed some light on ways to save money on health insurance.

A few pointers from our research:

1. Go to your online health insurance marketplace and view all of your plan options.
    
2. Decide which type of health insurance plan — HMO, PPO, EPO or POS — is best for you and your family, and whether you want an HSA-eligible plan.
    
3. Eliminate plans that exclude your preferred doctor or that don’t have local doctors in the provider network.
    
4. Determine whether you want more health coverage and higher premiums, or lower premiums and higher-out-of-pocket costs.
    
5. Make sure any plan you choose will pay for your regular and necessary care, like prescriptions and specialists.

Finally, we found an article on Newsmax that also provides some great tips on which plan might be best for you, and it is here.

 “Sin City”? 

No, we are not talking about Las Vegas. At least not directly.

Leave it to the folks at WalletHub to come up with a list of the “most sinful” cities in the U.S.

Yes, Las Vegas came in first, which makes perfect sense. Our fine city actually came in sixth. While we aren’t sure about the veracity of this claim, this survey caught our eye.

From the article, “WalletHub compared 182 cities — including the 150 most populated U.S. cities, plus at least two of the most populated cities in each state — across seven key dimensions: 1) Anger & Hatred, 2) Jealousy, 3) Excesses & Vices, 4) Greed, 5) Lust, 6) Vanity and 7) Laziness.”

WalletHub then added them all up and came up with a “Vice Index”, with Denver finishing sixth overall.

So, who is more sinful than Denver? Well, Sin City for sure, as Las Vegas came in 1st. Houston, TX came in 2nd, followed by L.A., Atlanta, and Philadelphia.

The least “sinful”? Columbia, Maryland, for whatever that is worth. Our guess is they are also low on the “fun index”, but we digress.

The folks at Westword did a cute article on this survey and it can be found here.

Overall, Denver came in 41st on “greed”, but ranked eighth in “lust” and third in excessive drinking, which was part of the “excesses and vices” category.

Interesting study indeed, the full thing can be found here, courtesy of WalletHub.

We aren’t sure whether to be concerned or proud of our results, but it’s definitely a fascinating study.

Denver’s Best Restaurants 

It’s been a while since we talked about Denver’s restaurant scene.

Leave it to 5280 Magazine to rekindle our focus on the best places to eat across the Front Range heading into 2025.

In looking at the list, we realized that we haven’t been eating out as much since COVID-19.

There are lots of new restaurants on the list, as well as an old standby or two.

Credit to 5280, they featured their list in a sortable fashion this year, focusing on price points. 

If you love pizza, Dough Counter gets rave reviews and is listed in the under $20 category, along with Kike’s Red Tacos and Odie B’s to name a few.

We won’t go into the complete list here, but the complete article courtesy of 5280 Magazine can be found here. 

Interestingly, Frasca, Bobby Stuckey’s 5-star-rated restaurant up in Boulder continues to make the list. 

Finally, for another set of opinions, the folks at Eater published their top 38 places to dine in and around Denver, which can be found here.

Enjoy Denver! It’s great to see our restaurant scene thriving in 2024.

What is a “Wet Bathroom?”

No, it is not what you think. Well, maybe it is, but we don’t judge.

However, when we read about this new design trend, we had to learn more.

We reached out to our friend Marina Dagenais, with Designer Premier to figure out exactly what this is.

From her blog, “A European-style wet bathroom is a design that combines a bathtub and shower into one ample Space, with no distinct barrier between the shower and the rest of the bathroom floor. Combining these spaces creates a seamless and open concept, perfect for those who value elegance and functionality.”

“Unlike a shower room, which typically has a separate area for the shower and drainage system, a wet room is completely open and features waterproof walls and flooring. With its central drain, this design makes it easy for water to flow out and ensures a hassle-free shower experience.”

One of Marina’s designers did an amazing job on a wet bathroom project, and you can find photos, plans and all you need to know about this new design trend here.

The article includes the pros and cons of this type of design and we found the concept to be fascinating.

To be matched with a designer that fits your needs, reach out to Marina at Designer Premier here.

Monthly Award Winners

Our monthly award winners for October were Nimia Espinoza, Rosaria De La Rosa, Maria Zapata, Josefina Quinonez, and Guadalupe Caloca.

In the Team Leader ranks, it was Isela Mendoza and Socorro Ibarra.

We are so proud of our winners, and of all the folks that are in and out of your homes each week.

We are also very appreciative to be a part of your lives and your homes. You provide the platform for our teams to perform, and for that we are grateful.

Please join me in congratulating our best performers for the month of October.

Queen Bee Corner

by Angela

Thanksgiving has always been the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season.

For Denver Concierge it ushers in the busiest time of year, as we adapt to the clients’ special holiday requests. 

Our clients’ homes are some of the most beautiful in the Denver area, even more so during the holidays when the decorations are up.

As many of the displays are delicate, we ask that you please let us know which items are not to be touched, or areas not to be cleaned during this time.

We also know you may be traveling more and hosting more. This will surely mean canceling a cleaning date or two.  We try to honor all scheduling requests but ask for as much notice as possible. 

This will allow us to rework the schedule so our ladies do not lose work hours, and other clients are not inconvenienced. 

Altering the schedules at this time of year can also mean having a different team for a clean or two, which could affect gift-giving for those clients who like to leave something for their regular team. 

With this in mind, it is advisable before leaving a gift to check with me to make sure it will be your regular team.  

Denver Concierge listens.

We encourage client comments, requests, and instructions, especially during this time of year when routines are a bit unsettled. We will do our best to make December a stress-free zone for our clients, at least in our little corner of the world.   

Happy Holidays!

Holidays Already?

Welcome to the holiday season, or so the calendar tells us. We agree that it still feels too early to think about, but we are into November once trick or treating is over this week.

That means ads for every variety of things and the stress that goes with holiday planning and shopping.

Also, don’t forget, Colorado goes off of Daylight Saving Time this Sunday, November 3rd, and our clocks will need to be set back one hour. 

We will also have holiday closures, so our staff can enjoy time with friends and family.

So, first things first. We will be closed for Thanksgiving and the Friday after, which fall on the 28th and 29th of November respectively. For planning’s sake, we will also be closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day, with both falling on Wednesdays in 2024.

Now, on to bigger and better things, the October Newsletter. This month, we highlight a great new benefit for Amazon Prime members, but it comes with some surprising news.

We also have a guest writer, who provides some great tips for living alone, especially for first-timers. Those of you with youngsters setting out on their own should find the article helpful indeed.

The IRS has published its inflation-adjusted tax brackets for 2025 as well, and we outline those changes. 

Finally, November brings a celebration of small business, culminating in Small Business Saturday at the end of the month. 

Read on for all the juicy details!

We want to wish you all a very safe Halloween this week if you are out and about. Beyond that, a happy Thanksgiving as well, since we won’t be published again until that turkey-fest passes.

We will see you back here at the end of November, stay safe, and warm…..our first snow is undoubtedly on its way.

Amazon Prime Gas Benefit

What will Amazon think of next?

You may have heard that the ubiquitous Amazon has now created a gas benefit. Unfortunately, it won’t work well for us here in Colorado. Read on for more. 

For those of us that have Amazon Prime, savings of $0.10/gallon can be had at over 7,000 BP, Amoco, and AM/PM locations across the country.

From the Amazon press release: “This offer could save Prime members on average nearly $70 per year on gas if purchasing at qualifying locations.”

“Additionally, Prime members can expect even more savings on transportation-related costs in the future—in 2025, Amazon plans to add an electric vehicle charging savings offer with bp pulse, bp’s electric vehicle charging business, with more details to be revealed next year.”

To activate the $0.10 per gallon savings,  visit amazon.com/fuelsavings. The offer only needs to be activated once—all customers need to enjoy these fuel savings is a Prime membership and free earnify account with bp.

Details on Earnify, and all it entails can be found here.

“Activating the offer will connect a member’s Amazon account and earnify™ account. Members can then use the free earnify™ app store locator to find the nearest bp, Amoco, or ampm gas station.”

That seems to be the good news. The bad news?

Astonishingly, there are precisely zero BP stations in our fine state, along with what seems to be zero Amoco stations and not a single AM/PM market.

Hmmm, well at least the benefit can be used in other states, as these brands are seemingly everywhere but Colorado.

For a complete list of BP locations, you can click here. 

Meanwhile, here’s hoping that Amazon expands this program to some stations in our geography.

At least you can let your friends know the real scoop here in Colorado!

Living Solo

By Guest Writer Stephanie Haywood 

Stepping out on your own for the first time is an exhilarating and challenging experience, filled with opportunities for growth and self-discovery. This transition requires not just adjustments to your living situation but also to your routines and responsibilities. Embracing this change with the right strategies and mindset can significantly smooth your path. It’s about finding your feet in a new phase of life, making it as enriching as it is educational. Denver Concierge offers these tips.

Mastering the Basics of Cooking

Learning to cook simple, nutritious meals is crucial when you first live alone, reducing reliance on expensive and less healthy takeout options. Start with easy recipes that use basic ingredients like pasta, rice, vegetables, and proteins. As your confidence grows, you can expand your culinary repertoire and explore more diverse dishes. Cooking at home allows you to control portions, ingredients, and costs, making it a smarter, healthier choice.

Building Connections in Your New Environment

Living on your own doesn’t have to mean feeling alone; actively building a social network is vital for a fulfilling life in a new place. Engage with others through work, school, or hobbies, and join community groups to forge meaningful connections. These relationships provide emotional support, practical help, and enrich your social life, acting as a crucial safety net in your new environment.

Staying on Top of Household Chores

Maintaining a clean home is easier with a structured cleaning schedule, assigning tasks to specific days to manage chores without stress. Regular upkeep, like vacuuming on Mondays or bathroom cleaning on Wednesdays, keeps your living space organized and pleasant. This routine not only fosters a conducive living environment but also prevents the buildup of chores that can become overwhelming. A clean home supports both comfort and productivity, enhancing your overall quality of life.

Navigating Your Rental Agreement

Thoroughly understanding your rental agreement is crucial; review all terms carefully before committing to your new home. Pay special attention to payment requirements, maintenance obligations, and the conditions for lease termination. Clear knowledge of these terms helps avoid conflicts and unexpected charges, protecting your rights as a tenant. Always clarify any doubts with your landlord to ensure mutual understanding and a smooth tenancy.

Keeping Your Important Documents Organized

Creating a system to organize crucial documents, such as insurance forms and bank statements, can drastically improve accessibility and reduce clutter. Digitizing these documents is a savvy move, enabling you to clear physical space and securely store everything from IDs to rental agreements. Should your digital files require adjustments, like changing their orientation, a PDF rotator can modify pages to portrait or landscape mode — this deserves a look. Once rotated, these documents are ready for easy downloading and sharing, ensuring you maintain both order and readiness.

Staying Organized with a Planner

Utilizing a planner, digital or physical, is key to managing your life’s logistics effectively, from appointments to bill payments. Schedule crucial tasks and reminders to keep on top of rent payments, work deadlines, and other commitments. Regularly updating your planner helps avoid late fees and missed deadlines, keeping your daily life orderly and predictable. This simple organizational tool is essential for maintaining control over your activities and responsibilities.

Preparing for Unexpected Events

It’s wise to prepare for emergencies, from health crises to unexpected home repairs. Know the location of essential services like hospitals and have your insurance details accessible for quick action during medical emergencies. For financial security, maintain a savings buffer to support yourself in scenarios like job loss. Proactively managing these plans ensures you can respond swiftly and effectively to life’s unpredictable challenges.

Managing Your Finances with a Budget

Setting a budget is crucial when living on your own, ensuring you can comfortably cover all expenses. List your fixed monthly costs, such as rent and utilities, and estimate variable expenses like groceries and leisure activities. Include savings in your budget to build financial security over time. A well-planned budget keeps your finances under control, helping you cut unnecessary expenses and save for future goals.

Living independently for the first time is a profound learning curve that shapes your future self-sufficiency. Each challenge faced and overcome adds to your reservoir of life skills, boosting your confidence and competence. As you navigate this journey, remember that the effort you put into organizing and adapting to your new life pays dividends in comfort and stability. Ultimately, this experience lays the foundation for a fulfilling, well-managed life ahead.

For friendly, professional house cleaning service, contact Denver Concierge today!

New IRS Tax Brackets 2025 

This week, the Internal Revenue Service published its annual inflation adjustments for tax year 2025.

Each fall, the IRS issues changes to both tax brackets and the standard deduction. We have seen more significant changes in past years due to the high rate of inflation following the pandemic. 2025 will represent the smallest change in several years, however. 

For tax year 2023, the adjustment to the income thresholds was 7%, for tax year 2024, it was 5.4%, and for tax year 2025, it is approximately 2.8%.

The updated marginal rates for tax year 2025 are as follows:

• 10% for incomes $11,925 or less ($23,850 or less for married couples filing jointly).
• 12% for incomes over $11,925 ($23,850 for married couples filing jointly).
• 22% for incomes over $48,475 ($96,950 for married couples filing jointly).
• 24% for incomes over $103,350 ($206,700 for married couples filing jointly).
• 32% for incomes over $197,300 ($394,600 for married couples filing jointly).
• 35% for incomes over $250,525 ($501,050 for married couples filing jointly).
• 37% for incomes over $626,350 ($751,600 for married couples filing jointly).

Additionally, the standard deduction for single taxpayers and married individuals filing separately will rise to $15,000. For married couples filing jointly, it will be $30,000. For heads of households, the standard deduction will be $22,500.

Good news, we suppose, except for the inflationary effect overall. The complete update from IRS.Gov can be found here.

Celebrating Small Businesses 

Each year, American Express sponsors Small Business Saturday. 

Celebrated on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, the initiative was started by American Express back in 2010 as a way to promote small businesses.

Small businesses, like ours, are the backbone of the economy.

Some 2023 facts, from the SBA Office of Advocacy:

• Most businesses are small- 99.9% of American businesses.
   
• There are 33,185,550 small businesses in the United States.
   
• Small businesses employ 61.7 million Americans, totaling 46.4% of private sector employees.
   
• From 1995 to 2021, small businesses created 17.3 million net new jobs, accounting for 62.7% of net jobs created since 1995.
   
• Small businesses pay 39.4% percent of private sector payroll.
   
• Small businesses generate 32.6% percent of known export value.
   
• About 38% of small businesses use specialized software in their business operations.

This year, Small Business Saturday falls on November 30. We encourage you to support the local businesses that contribute to our economy.

American Express came up with a great tool to help find small businesses near you and it can be found here.

We hope you join us in “shopping small” this holiday season, and we thank you for allowing our small business to serve you.

Monthly Award Winners

Our monthly award winners for September were Guadalupe Caloca, Rosario De La Rosa, Haydee Espinoza, Nimia  Espinoza, and Josefina Quinonez.

In the Team Leader ranks, it was Socorro Ibarra and Natalia Olivas.

We are so proud of our winners, and of all the ladies that are in and out of your homes each week.

We are also very appreciative to be a part of your lives and your homes. You provide the platform for our teams to perform, and for that we are grateful.

Please join me in congratulating our best performers for the month of September.

Queen Bee Corner

by Angela

Most homeowners enjoy living in a house with appealing decor and well-appointed furnishings. What they don’t enjoy is the necessary upkeep, especially the cleaning.

Manufacturers of household cleaning products play on this, and would have us believe that using their brands will guarantee maximum results with minimum time and effort, a brief interlude in an otherwise busy day. 

On the contrary it is our contention at Denver Concierge that a proper clean goes far beyond the cleaning solutions themselves. 

Before touted miracle aerosols and mops and cloths housecleaning was a physical chore, and it still is. As the old saying goes, “elbow grease is the best polish!

A house may be pleasing to the eye but if the hard to reach out of sight nooks and crannies are not cleaned regularly  they can create a health hazard; a hotbed for dust mites, allergens and mold. 

Our ladies are professionals whose amazing results are proof that cleaning knowhow trumps fancy sprays any day. We supply our workers with simple tried and true cleaning solutions that ensure their health and safety and the health and safety of the home’s residents.  

Much of success boils down to a simple maxim: Do the real thing and stop trying fake alternatives, which we do every day.

Bee

Denver October Happenings

Indeed, summer went very fast. It seems like it was either raining or oppressively hot, but either way we have another one in the books, and we are on to fall.

With the beginning of fall comes many different things to celebrate in and around Denver.

As is our habit, we are here to share those things and hopefully give you some ideas for some fun things to do. 

This month’s newsletter also answers the question, “Is Denver rude?”(spoiler alert, yes, we just might be, or maybe we are just overworked?).

We have a guest writer providing tips on how to get your home ready for winter, and we cover the important items affecting us on the November ballot.

Finally, we dive into the controversy surrounding how you might try to dispute a toll violation, and what we found isn’t very customer friendly.

With that in mind, let’s begin.

October brings lots of fun things to the Front Range. Let’s start with adult fun, including the Great American Beer Festival which runs from October 10-12. Breck also has their Craft Spirits Festival from the 11-13, in case you might need something stronger.

The folks at uncovercolorado.com published a good list of other events as well and it is here.

We also love the list at denver.org as well, which includes lots of adult fun here.

For the kiddos, it’s Halloween time. That means haunted houses, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and eventually trick or treating. 

We have done all the research for you, and you can find the best lists we came across by clicking below:

Haunted Houses

Corn Mazes

Pumpkin Patches

Moving back into the grown-up section of October, we always love the stuff that Denver.org publishes. From Dracula to Cocktails and Screams at McGregor Square, they have you covered.

Whew, that was a lot, but we hope you find it informative. Lots to do for young and old this October, we hope you enjoy.

Wishing you a great beginning to fall and a fun Halloween this October!

Is Denver Rude? Or Just Overworked?

We don’t feel rude. We try to treat everyone we interact with respectfully.

But we all have bad days, so we were curious about what Preply found when they decided to take a look at the rudest cities in the U.S.

The study methodology courtesy of Preply, ” We surveyed residents about social behaviors they noticed in their city and calculated a city rudeness score based on the answers.”

“Lack of awareness in public, loudness in shared places, and rudeness to service staff members are just some of the behaviors that branded Miami, FL, as having the rudest residents. Although Philadelphia, PA, ranked as the second rudest, the city’s residents have actually gotten kinder since 2022, when they ranked number one. However, not all cities have improved.”

So, good news, Denver is not the rudest city in the U.S. We ranked 34th out of 46, which is “kind of” rude. It looks like we maybe got more polite since 2022 however when we ranked 21st in rudeness.

Which city is the politest? Omaha, Nebraska leads the way with Minneapolis and San Diego right behind them.

While we technically were the 12th least rude city in the U.S. we didn’t fare as well in another study we ran across.

It seems we are the most overworked city in the entire country!

From the article on financebuzz, “Denver ranks above-average in every single metric we looked at, but the factor contributing the most to the city’s first-place finish is the percentage of households where two or more people work full-time jobs. Almost 62% of households in Denver fit that bill, the seventh-highest rate of any city.”

Wow, we were surprised. With all the things to do around the Front Range, we might have guessed differently, but there it is.

The full study on the most overworked cities in the U.S. can be found here.financebuzz.com.

Wondering what city is the least overworked? Us too, and it was Detroit, Michigan, with the lowest percentage of workers that are in the office at least 50 weeks per year — just 77.1%.

Fascinating stuff indeed.

Take some time off, Denver, don’t forget to smell the roses!

How to Prep Your Home for Winter 

By Guest Writer Nellia Melnyk

Ethosroofing.com

With breathtaking snow-capped mountains and a festive vibe, Denver winters can be both lovely and challenging. There’s always a chance of low temperatures and snowstorms. Getting your home ready for winter in Denver is important if you want to appreciate its beauty stress-free. Continue reading for crucial advice on winter-proofing your house so you won’t be caught off guard by the cold.

Inspection & Sealing of Windows & Doors

Windows and doors are typically the biggest sources of heat loss in the winter. It is essential to have these places inspected and sealed in order to preserve the energy efficiency of your house. To keep your house warm and energy-efficient, premium sealants will be applied, windows and doors will be examined for cracks and drafts, and a proper fit will be ensured.

Checking Your Heating System

An extensive examination of your furnace is the first step in checking your heating system. Your HVAC system may be safely inspected once a year to help find any issues before they become dangerous or require costly repairs.

Equally vital is having your chimney checked, since a clean, well-kept chimney reduces the likelihood of fires. To avoid winter emergencies, some proactive steps are essential.

Lastly, it wouldn’t hurt to confirm your carbon monoxide detector is operational.

Insulating Pipes to Avoid Freezing

Denver winters are typically turbulent. Pipes must be properly insulated in order to avoid freezing during the winter. Pipes in cold climes, particularly those in unheated rooms, are susceptible to freeze, burst, and sustain significant damage. Foam rubber or polyethylene foam insulation for pipelines is advised by local experts since these materials provide good protection from low temperatures.

Inspecting pipes for weak points and potential leaks is essential in addition to adding insulation, particularly to lines that pass-through attics, basements, or exterior walls. Experts are able to pinpoint regions that are more likely to freeze and recommend extra safety precautions like temperature management in underheated rooms or pipe heaters.

Gutter Cleaning & Maintenance

To prevent problems like ice dams caused by debris, it’s necessary to regularly clean and maintain your gutters. We talked to local expert Constantine Anest of Ethos Roofing, who explained, “Snowmelt cannot drain properly when gutters are clogged. This leads to clogs, which when they freeze, create ice dams. These ice dams have the potential to harm your walls, eaves, and roof. Gutter cleaning done correctly guarantees appropriate drainage during winter melting.”

Inspection of the Attic and Roof

Your roof should be carefully inspected for missing or damaged shingles in order to prepare as part of preparing your home for winter. If these issues aren’t taken care of right away, your roof might not be able to endure severe weather.

Examining the insulation in the attic is the next step. For the best heat retention, the insulation needs to be at least 12 inches thick.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to for any overhanging tree branches to be trimmed because heavy snowfall may cause them to snap and harm your roof.

General Cleaning

Conducting a thorough cleaning before winter will help create the ideal conditions for your comfort. Special attention should be given to cleaning and organizing seasonal items, such as winter clothing and footwear. Make sure all winter accessories, including gloves and hats, are clean and ready for use. It’s also worth cleaning or replacing textiles, such as blankets and pillows. Pay particular attention to eliminating excess clutter that might obstruct access to heating equipment, and check and clean carpets if necessary to prevent dust and allergens from accumulating. This cleaning will help create a more cozy and organized environment, making the winter season more comfortable.

Stock Up on Winter Supplies

In order to be ready for Denver’s heavy and unpredictable snow and ice, residents may wish to stock up on vital winter supplies as winter draws near. Space heaters for extremely chilly temperatures, ice melters, and snow shovels should all be on your list. Finally, in the event of a significant snowfall, it’s a good idea to stock up on non-perishable food. Although assembling these winter essentials isn’t tough, they can keep your family warm and secure over the long winter.

Stay Cozy and Embrace the Season

Remember that staying warm isn’t the only reason to get your house ready for Denver winters. The goal is to create a warm refuge that you and your loved ones can spend the entire season in. When the snow starts to fall, every little move you take now can have a significant impact. So, grab a blanket and start ensuring these standards are met! In the end, accepting the enchantment that winter brings is just as important as simply making it through. Prepare your house for the winter and start celebrating! 

Author’s Bio: Nellia Melnyk is a writer and content creator with a unique perspective on the sector and a deep understanding of what it takes to help people choose the right roofing solutions for their homes. She writes engaging and informative content that covers everything from roof repair and maintenance to the latest trends and technologies in the roofing industry. Through her articles and posts, she has helped countless people make informed decisions when it comes to their roofs. You can find her on LinkedIn.

November Ballot Initiatives 

You may have heard we have an election coming up.

No, we are not wandering into that minefield.

We are, however, going to stay closer to home and cover some of the important measures for us to consider.

For starters, Denver is proposing a sales tax increase of .34%, designed to cover the costs of patients who cannot cover hospital bills.

Another proposal would raise the sales and use tax by 1/2% to fund affordable housing. 

In all, there are 12 questions on the Denver ballot, including a ban on slaughterhouses and fur trading.

Also, both Denver Public Schools and the City of Denver want to significantly increase their debt to finance improvements. 

Big increases are being proposed, so it is an important time to take a look and understand what is up for vote.

There are also 14 statewide initiatives being proposed and they can be found here.

Those include some hot-button topics, starting with abortion rights in our state and whether or not public funds can be used, as well as a change in same-sex marriage validity.

That should stir people up for sure. 

Either way, it’s an important election for many reasons, so we hope you get out and vote.

Toll Lane Fines & Disputes 

We have written here in the past about the big fines you can earn if you do the wrong thing in a toll lane.

So, what happens if you get a citation in the mail and you didn’t do anything wrong?

Unfortunately, our research has turned up some bad news.

Toll lanes in Colorado are mostly maintained electronically. This means that using license plate information and AI, it’s pretty easy to get a ticket.

In fact, the automated enforcement has registered about 1,500 violations per day since it was started totaling $57 million in revenue via fines issued.

The Denver Post did a feature on this recently and from that article, “Colorado officials activated enforcement on Interstate 25 north of Denver and the C-470 beltway in October 2023 following an introduction in July 2023 on I-70 mountain express lanes. They plan to do the same on the I-25 express lane between Castle Rock and Monument and other express lanes around metro Denver”.

“Drivers are supposed to enter and exit express lanes only at designated points across dashed white lines. Blissway set up a network of sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence-assisted tracking technology after state lawmakers boosted CDOT’s authority to crack down on drivers who weave in and out of express lanes to avoid paying tolls.”

The scary part is the “appeals” process, which has come under fire from many drivers wishing to dispute their tickets.

Without diving too deeply into the details it is safe to say that the appeals process leaves a lot to be desired.

The article, which can be found here behind the Denver Post paywall, outlines examples of drivers appealing online and being rejected within 10 minutes of submission.

For more information on the enforcement program, you can visit the CDOT page here.

If you are one of the unlucky ones who has been issued a citation, you can attempt to appeal it here.

The bad news is it doesn’t seem to stand much of a chance. Be safe out there Denver, and don’t cross the solid line on the tollway!

Monthly Award Winners

Our monthly award winners for August were Haydee Espinoza, Rosario De La Rosa, Nimia Espinoza, Maria Zapata, and Yessica Censo.

In the Team Leader ranks, it was Socorro Ibarra and Mayra Soto.

We are so proud of our winners, and of all the folks that are in and out of your homes each week.

We are also very appreciative to be a part of your lives and your homes. You provide the platform for our teams to perform, and for that we are grateful.

Please join me in congratulating our best performers for the month of August.

Queen Bee Corner

by Angela

Denver Concierge is dedicated to safeguarding our employees and our clients against unsafe products or tasks that may potentially create a health risk or damage to furnishings.

To this end, we at times may question a client’s instruction or request made to the Team Leader. 

Although each house has a work order with instructions specific to that house, clients frequently add to or subtract from the standard procedures. This allows for a more customized clean and we happily oblige. 

However, there are requests deemed to be outside the purview of our safety guidelines, such as the use of any product containing bleach, any heavy lifting (including flipping a mattress), dusting at heights, moving bulky furniture, organizing toys, clothing, or household items. 

We rely on our professional Team Leaders to know which tasks can be easily done and which should not be attempted. 

We appreciate our clients’ understanding and continued kindness to our ladies.  I thank you on their behalf.

Bee 

Goodbye Summer & Hello Fall

In a few weeks, we say goodbye to summer. It always goes so fast. Soon, our 100-degree days will be turning into crisp fall days.

Speaking of weather, did you know that we hit 100 degrees six times in 2024? That is the third most in Denver’s recorded history. That made us wonder, what year had the most of those?

It was 2012, with 13 days over 100 degrees. Back in 2005, there were seven such days, which is good for second place all-time. So, if you were wondering if we had an unusually sizzling summer, you are 100% correct.

Fortunately, we didn’t beat the streak of five straight 100-degree days set also in 2005 and 2012. If you like to geek out about the weather, check out this site, it will tell you whatever you need to know about extreme weather pretty much anywhere.

Enough about the weather, we have holidays to celebrate! The next one falls on Monday, September 2nd. We will indeed be closed so our dedicated associates can take a well-earned 3-day weekend. 

We hope you enjoy it as well and remember to stay safe.

We have gone into the history of Labor Day a few times in the past and it has an interesting one for sure. In short, it celebrates the social and economic achievement of the American worker.

Over here at Denver Concierge, we get so wrapped up in cleaning houses and trying to manage our business that it’s easy to forget just how hard our folks work in your homes each week.

Let us take this time to celebrate those efforts and thank you for allowing us the platform to perform our duties. We thank you.

For all the details on Labor Day and why and when we celebrate it, check here.

Meanwhile, we wish you the best three-day weekend (heck maybe four if you took today off too!) with friends and family. 

Happy Labor Day weekend, we will see you on the other side!

Denver Food and Wine Festival

The Denver Food and Wine Festival has returned once again.

Billed as a “multi-day extravaganza of food, wine, and spirits events”, the festival begins on September 4th and will culminate with the Grand Tasting on September 7th at Tivoli Quad.

We have many clients and partners in the restaurant space, and we can assure you that it has not been a smooth road stretching back to COVID-19 days.

This event is sponsored by the Colorado Restaurant Foundation and is the industry’s biggest fundraiser.

There are many cool events, including the “Shake and Brake Showdown”, which will feature a cocktail competition and bites from Denver’s best food trucks.

If you love wine, the folks at Riedel are sponsoring a glassware seminar, which we have attended in the past.

If you love wine and want to learn about the importance of pairing the proper glassware and wine, we would recommend that one for sure. Plus, you get some amazing Riedel glassware for your trouble.

The complete schedule of events is here, we hope you join us in celebrating Denver’s wonderful restaurant scene.

Painful Overthinking 

Do you overthink? We sure do, usually thinking about innovative ways to delight our loyal clients.

Sometimes it’s random stuff, but it’s hard for us to shut off our brains. So much so that sometimes it hurts.

Well, loyal reader, you know us. This prompted us to see if overthinking makes your brain hurt, and guess what? It does, and science backs it up.

It’s important to realize that the science behind this doesn’t cover random thoughts or daydreaming, but intense mental exertion. 

From one of the articles we found on Medium, “Our findings show that mental effort feels unpleasant across a wide range of populations and tasks,”

“This is important for professionals, such as engineers and educators, to keep in mind when designing tasks, tools, interfaces, apps, materials, or instructions. When people are required to exert substantial mental effort, you need to make sure to support or reward them for their effort.”

Why then, does thinking too hard tax us so much? Simply, and also from the article, “When we think long and hard about something, toxic chemicals build up in the brain’s prefrontal cortex, the area that drives decision-making and problem-solving.”

“That leads to less-effective thinking, scientists reported in a 2022 study, and it seems to act as a circuit breaker, preventing us from thinking too much and blowing a fuse.”

Finally, and also very fascinating, Psychology Today published a study by McGill University that shows that humans will willingly choose physical pain over complex mental tasks.

That piece can be found here, and is very insightful.

The bottom line? Take some time off every now and then to let that big brain of yours recharge, especially if your head starts to hurt!!!

Leaf Peeping 

Colorado’s beautiful fall colors can rival just about anyone’s. Especially if you know where to go!

In that spirit, we wanted to give you the lowdown on where exactly the best “leaf peeping” can be found.

Plus, we really like “Leaf Peeping”. Don’t ask us why, but there’s just something cute about it.

Onward we go, and leave it to the nice folks at 5280 Magazine to give us the jumpstart we needed.

In their article, “8 Leaf-Peeping Mountain Getaways” (see, they like it too) they cover the best places to see our gorgeous fall transformation.

From hot springs getaways to a full fall immersion up on Grouse Mountain, they have some great destinations covered.

We also ran across a list from Colorado.com, with 10 places to see Colorado’s Fall Color and it is here.

Lastly, for you aspiring photographers, the folks at Nikon have a list of tips to get the shot of a lifetime, and it is here.

Happy trails and enjoy those colors!

Skyrocketing HOA Fees

Not long ago we talked about property taxes and their astronomical increases across our state.

Homeowner’s insurance is also on the rise, thanks to hail and fires across our state.

Now, it seems that those increases have rapidly crept into HOA fees.

40% of Coloradans belong to an HOA. If you are in a single-family dwelling, those fees can range from $500 to a few thousand dollars a year.

If you are in a high-end condo or townhome, however, those rates are much higher, sometimes exceeding $1000 monthly, on top of your mortgage payment.

It seems the increase in insurance rates and all other associated costs have led us to this. 

From the article on KRDO, “According to industry experts, those who live inside neighborhoods that have Home Owner Associations (HOA’s) may see a steep increase in their fees this year. They say it is because of two things: skyrocketing insurance costs and increasing labor costs.”

“A lot of our clients are seeing their costs increase up and down their budget, whether it’s because of the landscape contract increasing … or insurance, or the costs of our fees and management costs associated with running the association,” Brandon Helm, President of Warner Management said.”

Many HOA residents are seeing double or even triple their normal rates.

If you are in an HOA, Colorado has laws that may protect you. Unfortunately, there aren’t laws that prohibit increases nor any that cap what HOA’s can do.

The state does have an HOA resource and it can be found here.

Finally, it at least appears that there may be some property tax relief coming soon.

If you are having issues with your HOA, there are resources to help you with disputes, a good example is here.

Sure seems like increased costs are everywhere these days.

Monthly Award Winners

Our monthly award winners for July were Maria Zapata, Haydee Espinoza, Josefina Quinonez, Cecilia Reyes, and Nimia Espinoza.

In the Team Leader ranks, it was Socorro Ibarra and Laura Varela.

We are so proud of our winners, and of all the folks that are in and out of your homes each week.

We are also very appreciative to be a part of your lives and your homes. You provide the platform for our teams to perform, and for that we are grateful.

Please join me in congratulating our best performers for the month of July.

Queen Bee Corner

by Angela

Many, many years ago when Denver Concierge was in its infancy we had a policy that we would not do partial cleans.

We would only clean the whole house top to bottom.

Fast forward to the present where costs across all sectors are pretty much off the charts, we have drastically modified our earlier MO. It suddenly seemed unfair and burdensome money-wise for clients to pay for seldom used rooms or areas. 

Clients now can choose which  rooms are to be cleaned each visit and communicate this by responding to the confirmation text they receive the day before each clean. 

The only criterion we ask for is, “keep it simple”.

If possible include whole rooms or levels rather than smaller areas or even pieces of furniture. (The only exception to this would be delicate antique items such as pianos, wall art, or sculptures which should be noted on the work order as a standard instruction). 

We want the team members to hit the ground running upon arrival rather than wait while their Team Leader unravels complicated instructions.

On a side note, please know any comments or concerns should be sent to me via text, as they occur. 

It is our responsibility to keep you happy and not have our folks in the field grapple with small irritants or preferences that could be easily remedied.

On the flip side, we also love to receive complimentary thoughts as they occur (which we immediately text to the team). 

Showing appreciation for a job well done goes a long way toward a happy work force, and for that we thank you.

Bee